News and Blogs

When a Missing Accident Report Threatens Your Illinois Injury Claim Key Takeaways: An insurance adjuster in Illinois cannot deny a valid claim solely because no police report exists, as no statute makes a report a prerequisite to coverage. Coverage turns on the fact of a covered crash and policy terms, […]

Understanding Who Controls the Res Ipsa Question in Illinois Key Takeaways: In Illinois medical malpractice cases, the trial judge, not the jury, decides whether res ipsa loquitur applies under 735 ILCS 5/2-1113. This Latin doctrine, meaning "the thing speaks for itself," is an evidentiary tool that allows plaintiffs to prove […]

Understanding Your Right to Pursue a Neglect Claim in Cook County Key Takeaways: In Illinois nursing home neglect cases, the injured resident with legal capacity is usually the primary plaintiff, but a spouse, adult child, guardian, agent under a power of attorney, or designated representative may act when the resident […]

Understanding the Certificate of Merit in Illinois Medical Malpractice Cases Key Takeaways: In Illinois, a 2-622 certificate of merit report must be written by a qualified reviewing health professional whose recent background matches the care at issue. The reviewer must be knowledgeable in the relevant issues, have practiced or taught […]

Understanding What a Rear-End Settlement Really Means in Illinois Key Takeaways: There is no single "average" settlement for being rear-ended while stopped in Illinois, as values range from a few thousand dollars for minor soft-tissue injuries to six figures or more for serious spinal or brain trauma. The final amount […]